Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 31+

A quick turnaround as we head straight into Gameweek 31+ and once again we have a 5pm BST deadline.

While an earlier cut-off may be part of the ‘new normal’, one thing that hasn’t changed is that Pep Guardiola likes to rotate his players. As ever, predictably unpredictable.

Some interesting thoughts on how we could finally use that to our advantage in this Gameweek Guide, as well as enticing differentials and captain options.

To win the Pep Roulette, you need to play the Pep Roulette. It’s one of the biggest pots out there.

– LateRiser

Who else but our favourite upside-chasing manager LateRiser perfectly articulating the dilemma presented to us Fantasy managers by Manchester City. Thankfully, in his latest article, he offered us an intriguing option on how to play our hand. Could Phil Foden offer a less ‘all-in’ approach?

When it comes to Foden, I expect him to get a lot of minutes and I think he’s a really good option for your eighth attacker. What I would do with Foden is that if he is rested for a particular game, I would probably start him in my FPL team in the next game as we expect Pep to rotate and Foden’s upside is very high.

– LateRiser

To give our Pro Pundit some credit he did highlight Phil Foden on yesterday’s Scoutcast ahead of the evening kick-off. Although a bigger round of applause is reserved for Pep Pig, who not only brought him in for Gameweek 30+ but told us about it beforehand – twice! Unsurprisingly he still leads RedLightning’s January to July mini-league.

The big news that could potentially impact how we shuffle our City pack, is the injury to Sergio Aguero. As Neale report in the Scout Notes, Pep did not sound overly optimistic in his post-match interview:

He felt something in his knee. He was struggling the last month, some pain in his knee. It doesn’t look good for this season.

– Pep Guardiola

The two immediate beneficiaries are Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling:

The stock of Gabriel Jesus could be about to rise as we await a proper diagnosis from the City medical department, although it should be said that Raheem Sterling has operated as a ‘false nine’ in Guardiola’s various systems before and the Brazilian will surely not be starting week-in, week-out from now until Gameweek 38+ even if Aguero is sidelined.

– Neale

However with upcoming matches against Chelsea and Liverpool either side of an all-important FA cup tie against a resurgent Newcastle, looking elsewhere could be a viable option in the short term.

Manchester United and Wolves appear to be the golden ticket teams. The Red Devils take on a depleted Sheffield United defence with John Egan suspended and Dean Henderson ineligible to face his parent club – do check out the latest Team News ahead of the deadline. 

If you are considering one of Fernandes or Rashford for the armband, David’s dive into the stats is essential reading. His feeling is that Fernandes has the slight edge:

The fact he is a midfielder also gives him the edge over Rashford who, despite looking like an exciting option for Gameweek 31+, cannot capitalise on clean sheets and scores one fewer point for every goal scored, when compared with Fernandes.

– David

While in the debate between Rashford and Martial, TheFantasyFreÆK is leaning towards the Englishman:

Despite having his minutes curtailed by injury, Rashford has recorded the second highest number big chances at home of all forwards this season. Over the season, Rashford has registered 23 big chances compared to Martial’s 14 with both of them having played a similar amount of minutes.

– TheFantasyFreÆK

Manchester United and Wolves also have the best odds of a clean sheet after Liverpool, according to the bookmakers via G-Whizz.

But there are plenty of options for our teams this Gameweek. Neale highlighted Son’s potential earlier this month: 

Son’s shot accuracy in the Mourinho era has also caught the eye: an average of 1.53 efforts on target per 90 minutes is inferior only to Salah (1.61) when we look at midfield regulars in the top flight.

– Neale

While Pro Pundit Tom Freeman picked out the returning Dele Alli as one to watch in his differentials piece. An opinion backed up by David:

Dele Alli managed a total of 11 shots in the box over his last four, an average of 2.75. Crucially, that was achieved in his number 10 role, which he is likely to be dropped back into for Tuesday’s London clash with West Ham.

– David

There’s an enticing trip to Carrow Road for EvertonRicharlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeal:

The Everton pair have managed to record the joint-second-highest total for shots in the box over their last four, against Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. That is incredibly ominous as they prepare to face Norwich in Gameweek 31+.

– David

In short, those who fancy an alternative to a Liverpool captain this week have plenty of options.

Community competitions

The Fantasy Football Scout Cup continued in Gameweek 30+ with Round Two taking place. The full results can be seen here

If you want to enter the new The FFScout Charity Shield mini-league, do so now.

We’ll be closing the league to new entries after the Gameweek 31+ deadline passes at 17:00 BST on Tuesday. Head to the FPL site via this link and use the code ‘i3lxye’ to sign up.

The top five places receive a free membership for next season. Fantasy Football Scout will also be making a donation of £300 towards the NHS and has set up a JustGiving page should others wish to make a contribution.

In TorresMagic’s Last Man Standing the safety score in Gameweek 30+ was a whopping 95 points, which saw a total of 72 managers eliminated.

The threshold for elimination increases to 30% for Gameweek 31+ and a minimum of 63 managers will depart. 4,899 managers have exited the competition so far with 207 left to battle.

A full review of the round-up of latest community mini-leagues will appear tomorrow.

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

2,043 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Siggy in the Middle
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Going either Bruno. Just can't squeeze him in unless I do Pope to Martinez and that seems like too big a downgrade. Gonna take Martial instead

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Without*

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      try MArtinez imo.

      1. Eastman
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        This. Who else will Arsenal play?

    3. ShackledAce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Surely there are others to downgrade? Bruno is must-have (says non-owner)

  2. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Been away all day. Any news on whether Salah plays?

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Following. Read something that did not say much from Pool home page

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Klopp said he's fully fit apparently

  3. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Really like the Fernandes or Rashford (C) option.

    SHU are without 3 of there DEF;

    Henderson - Huge part of the Def
    Egan
    O'Connell

    Fernandes (C) for me! LFG

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      United struggle against teams who sit deep so I’m against captaining either. Can feel a stalemate

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fernandes (C), Rashford and Martial for me, United had better do well!

  4. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Trent a good captain option? Or do I go Salah or Son

    1. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Son

      1. Scooby75
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Salah.
        West Ham try harder for this fixture!

  5. Sacked in the Morning
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC team g2g?

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Holgate
    Salah KDB Son Bruno
    Vardy Jimenez

    (3.9, Douglas Luiz, Nketiah, 3.9)

  6. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Cap?

    A) Salah
    B) Vardy
    C) Jimmy

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B) Vardy (is what i have done at least) 😀

    3. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      This seems to be really divided 😀 maybe I stick with Jimmy because of Bou

  7. Sailboats
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Blumpkin

  8. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Jesus suddenly an option?
    Pope Peacock-Farrell
    TAA Saiss Lascelles Aurier Kiko
    Mane KDB Bruno Son Saka
    Jimenez Jesus DCL
    0.0 itb

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You don't see Peacock-Farrell in too many teams around these parts. Well done for having someone different.

  9. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Too much on the bench? Maybe down grade traore and upgrade elsewhere?

    Foster
    TAA, Aurier, Doherty
    Mane, Kdb, Bruno, Son
    Rashford, DCL, jimi

    Button, lascelles, kiko, traore

    1. QUEN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe upgrade keeper

    2. ShackledAce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Great team, bench might prove handy

  10. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Armstrong or Grealish who to play thanks!

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish

    2. DAVESAVES
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish

  11. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If i wasnt on 0.0 i would have shipped out rah or bruno and get in richar or dcl for only this gw

  12. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    OMG

    1. Party time
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Faster?

      • JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        On my grave

    2. FIRMINOLOOKGOAL
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      (V)ardy anyone?

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bro whats your final WC team

        1. FIRMINOLOOKGOAL
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          The last one I posted

          1. Nightf0x
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers good luck

      2. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yes.

        1. FIRMINOLOOKGOAL
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Aye!

      3. MarcusAurelius
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Just locked it in. Come on Vardy party!!

        1. FIRMINOLOOKGOAL
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Let's get the Vardy started!

    3. DAVESAVES
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a) DDG & Aurier

      b) Pope & Maguire

      ??

      1. Ed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

      2. timmmuh
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        C) Pope and Aurier

    4. smix
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Choose 1:
      A. Barnes
      B. Traore

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        B

      2. Mr_Barbs
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

    5. Sj3451
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry repost!

      A) Son, Doherty, Rashford
      B) Robbo, Martial, Vardy

      Have TAA and Bruno

      1. Mr_Barbs
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A comfortably imo

      3. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

      4. Orion
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

    6. Mr_Barbs
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Play one:

      A) Saiss (playing Doherty)
      B) Lascelles
      C) Holgate

      1. timmmuh
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lascelles to minimize risk/increase coverage

    7. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Play Martinez or McCarthy

    8. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Strange week this one, completely happy with my team for the first time in forever!

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What is it?

      2. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If your happy with your team, it’s mean worried

    9. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      FH Team

      Pope
      TAA/Doh/Lascelles
      Mane(c)/KDB/Son/Fernandez
      Jimenez/DCL/Vardy

      Martin-Ngakia-Guendozi-Simpson

      Gtg....?

    10. AdamJ91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      G2G?

      Martinez
      TAA - Saiss - Doherty
      KDB - Salah (c) - Bruno - Son
      DCL - Rashford - Jiminez

      (Button - Lascelles - Kiko - Guendouzi)

    11. Gentle_Turks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Been away all day. Any news on whether Salah plays?

      Thanks and good luck.

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        yes he is fit and available

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He trained normally

      3. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks all. Probably captain him then, or maybe Bruno as - slight - differential? What are your plans?

    12. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kane, Feranndes or Rashford for C ?

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bruno

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers

    13. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Captain

      A. Bruno

      B. Jiminez

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bruno

        1. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          BRUNO

    14. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jus 600 seconds left. Get that team finished. Also take a screenshot of your team so you don't end up asking "Did I do this, or that" 🙂

      1. QUEN
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ha I do this always

    15. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Start

      A-Lasc
      B-James Justin

      Captain
      A-Son
      B- Bruno
      C-Jimenez

    16. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Captain, Salah or Bruno, GO

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        BRUNO BRUNO BRUNO

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        bruno

      3. Orion
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Salah

    17. wantsharptv
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is vardy starting????

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Wanna be Vardy starting?

    18. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bench boost locked, good luck all!

      Krul (EVE)
      Barnes (BHA)
      Aurier (WHU)
      Fernandez (AVL)

    19. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Panic station